Five-Point Inspection: 5 Reasons Ford Needs to Modernize the Mustang

Get AutoGuide.com in your Inbox

Like AutoGuide.com on Facebook

What's wrong with the Mustang?

An all new Mustang is due out tomorrow and from what has leaked out already it’s a dramatic change. That, no doubt, will enrage pony car loyalists and anyone over the age of 50, but it’s necessary.

Some recent market survey data revealed that while the Mustang is the No. 1 considered car by Baby Boomers looking for a rear drive sports car, it’s last among Gen Y. Ford absolutely must modernize the Mustang because fans of the current car won’t be around for much longer, or at least not in the market for a sports car, and without new buyers Ford might as well send its pony to the glue factory.

Recently we spent a week driving a 2014 Mustang with a V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the Mustang Club of America package and some eye catching paint we can credit it as our muse for this piece, highlighting five things Ford absolutely must change about its performance icon.

Get AutoGuide.com in your Inbox

Like AutoGuide.com on Facebook

More Auto News...

Loading, please wait...

CA_Refugee

Having both my grandfather and father work for Ford in Dearborn, MI, I am partial to the “old” or out going ‘stang. The solid rear axle is what I love about it. If you enjoy a “lively” feel and a fun car to drive. Now granted the V6 need not apply, I’m talking about the full power V8 version. I even made a sales clerk at a dealer turn white on a test drive on more than 1 occasion. Fun, fun, fun. I will miss this version of the Mustang for sure. But, I do agree, it is time to update it, and kick some Camaro A$$ all over a track! (and street)

Having looked at the new leaked pics of the ’15 model… Hmmm… Not quite sure if I like it yet. The headlights are quite interesting… The rear is a bit too angled on the tail lights, but not too bad looking. It has potential, can’t wait to see what the BOSS and GT500 versions will look like!

CA_Refugee

Oh, yea, forgot to mention…

If you don’t like, or have issues with the solid rear axle’s handling characteristics, all one has to do is install a watts link to the rear axle. Handling issues are pretty well solved by this solution.

Unchallenged leadership is never good. Toyota hasn’t needed to put up a fight in the mid-size truck market for a very long time. At least not until now because for 2015, GM is releasing all-new versions of Colorado and Canyon.

One year ago we put eight compact crossovers in a battle royal to determine which high-riding hatchback is the best in the business. Focusing on comfort, efficiency, value and practicality, a surprise champion emerged; the Subaru Forester.